One of our goals in the IEC is to bring together international and domestic students. We offer a variety of on-campus programming opportunities and events to build an intercultural-oriented community. Participate in our programs and events to connect with your peers and make friends. Meet with other students who share your interests and experiences while making long-lasting memories and friendships in the process.
Some programs are designed to support international students; however, all students are welcome.
Programs, Events and Workshops for International Students
The IEC has an array of programs, events, workshops, and support designed specifically for international students at UTM. In this section, you will find such programs, events, and workshops.
Practice your English conversation skills in an informal and social group setting with other language learners as well as native English speakers.
These peer-led circles will give you the opportunity to learn with and among people from around the world while practicing your language skills in a fun, relaxed, and creative environment.
This is also a recognized program on the Co-Curricular Record if participants attend a minimum of 3 sessions in our schedule:
Dates for Fall 2024 English Language Conversation Circles please register below:
Location:
- Location: Student Hub Room 2223
Please email us at international.utm@utoronto.ca if you have any questions.
The Transition Coaching Program at the International Education Centre (IEC) is designed to support first-year international students as they adjust to university life at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM). This program helps students build essential skills to manage academic responsibilities, personal commitments, and the various demands of university life.
Key Features and Benefits:
Personalized Support: Students receive one-on-one appointments with the International Students Proactive Coach, a professional staff member at UTM, and a Proactive Coaching Assistant, an experienced upper-year student. These sessions focus on creating and achieving personal goals.
Skill Development: The program covers six key areas of transition development: Learning Course Material, Managing Your Time, Paying for College Expenses, Getting Help with School Work, Making New Friends, and Interacting with Faculty.
Continuous Feedback: Participants receive individualized and continuous feedback on their goal setting throughout the semester.
Flexible Resources: Access to asynchronous content and activities is available to help students develop necessary skills at their own pace.
Community Building: Opportunities to build relationships with other students and connect with various resources and services at UTM.
Co-Curricular Record (CCR) Recognition: Participation in the program is recognized with CCR Recognition.
Program Structure:
Initial Meeting: The first meeting with the International Students Proactive Coach involves reviewing insights from the Before College Survey of Student Engagement (BCSSE) and developing an action plan.
Follow-Up Meetings: Over the academic year, students attend four thirty-minute appointments (two with the coach and two with a peer coach) to work on their action plan and transition skills.
Final Meeting: The final meeting focuses on ways to continue developing through UTM programs and staying engaged with IEC supports.
Participation Details:
Time Commitment: Each appointment lasts thirty minutes, scheduled two to six weeks apart.
Appointment Format: Appointments are primarily conducted via Zoom, with options for in-person or phone meetings.
Eligibility: The program is invitation-based, however all interested first-year international students are welcome to participate.
The IEC hosts an array of immigration workshops, which are geared toward guiding international students through completing the applications required during their time as students.
Our Immigration Workshops include:
- Study Permit Extension and Temporary Resident Visa Workshops
- Post Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Workshops
- Permanent Residence Workshops
- Writing an Explanation Letter for Special Cases
- Applying for a Co-op Work Permit
Are you an international student, permanent resident, new immigrant, or exchange student looking to make connections with upper-year students on campus and meet new people from around the world?
The International Student Mentorship (ISMP) program is for you! With ISMP, you will be paired up with an upper-year mentor that will support you as you transition into Canada and UTM. Connect with upper-year students, meet other mentees, and build a network that will help you make the most out of your experience!
Benefits of joining this program:
- Expand your network and meet new people from around the world with similar interests;
- Benefit from the support and experiences of upper-year domestic and international students and learn how to get involved on campus;
- Have support in regards to culture, language, and life at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) and the City of Mississauga;
- Both mentors and incoming students will receive Co-Curricular Record (CCR) credit and a certificate of completion for participation in the program.
How does the International Student Mentorship Program work?
- Students are connected with an upper-year mentor and receive one-on-one guidance.
- Mentors and mentees communicate over the course of 8 weeks asking questions and providing information.
- The IEC organizes a variety of events for mentees and mentors to participate in such as socials and a panel.
- Completion of a minimum number of activities will earn CCR notation and a certificate of completion.
For questions or concerns, please email us at international.utm@utoronto.ca.
*Please note: you will need an active uTORid to complete your registration. For information on how to activate your uTORid, click here.
The International Student Training Employment Program (ISTEP) is a structured program that will help students navigate the job search process here in Canada 'step-by-step', starting from answering all your immigration questions, building your resume, building your cover letter, practicing networking, and then ending with the potential meet with employers who are eager for international talent. Join us in navigating a 6-week program that will train you for finding a job in Canada after graduation!
Students will receive the following upon the completion of the program:
- Certificate of Participation
- CCR Recognition
- One-on-one job search coaching appointment with an Employment Strategist
- Opportunity to meet with employers
* To receive CCR recognition, participants MUST complete all of the following requirements
- Attendance of 5 sessions (one session is optional)
- Attend a networking event with the employers during the final ISTEP session
- Attend one-on-one job search coaching appointment
- Final reflection survey
Register through CLNx, or email lucy.yi@utoronto.ca for more information.
Are you a first or second-year international student eager to excel academically, explore career paths, and understand your immigration journey?
Join us for THRIVE-IN – A Comprehensive Development Conference for International Students on October 5, 2024, at the Kaneff Centre!
In just ONE day:
- Learn how to navigate and succeed in the Canadian academic system
- Participate in workshops that will equip you with the academic, professional and personal skills that will help you succeed in your undergraduate career
- Meet recent alumni and learn about their undergraduate journeys
- Network with UTM alumni, current upper year students, and peers
- Get CCR and Certificate of Completion
As a result of participating in THRIVE-IN, students will:
- Learn how to navigate the Canadian academic system
- Learn more about essential resources available for them to succeed throughout their undergraduate and achieve their goals
- Learn how to plan for their career and academic goals
THRIVE 2024 Schedule
| Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| 10:00 am — 10:15 am | Registration & Breakfast Location: Kaneff Rotunda | |
| 10:15 am — 10:45 am | Opening Remarks, Icebreakers and Introductions Location: Kaneff | |
| 10:45 am — 11:15 am | Academic Integration and Understanding UTM's Academic Standards Get a comprehensive overview of UTM’s academic standards, grading systems, and expectations. Explore university lingo, in-class engagement, and academic integrity, with interactive sessions and case studies. | |
| 11:15 am —11:25 am | Accessibility and Wellness Overview Discover the resources and support available through the Accessibility and Wellness Department, including wellness programs and mental health support | |
| 11:25 am - 11:55 am | Finding Community and Managing Independence Learn strategies for making connections on campus, managing your time effectively, and handling finances. Engage in a speed-friending activity and participate in workshops on time management and budgeting. | |
| 11:55 am - 12:30 pm | Lunch & Networking Location: Kaneff Rotunda | |
| 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm | Career Planning and LinkedIn Photo Shoot Gain insights into career planning, internships, and co-op opportunities. Participate in resume writing tips, mock interviews, and get a professional LinkedIn photo taken. | |
| 1:15 pm - 1:55 pm | Immigration and Visa Advice Receive essential information on visa requirements, work permits, and legal rights. Engage in a Q&A session with immigration advisors and discuss future immigration perspectives. | |
| 1:55 pm — 2:10 pm | Closing Remarks, Certificates, and Feedback Wrap up final remarks, receive your certificate of participation, and provide feedback on the conference. | |
| 2:10 pm — 2:30 pm | LinkedIn Photo Shoot Capture your professional image with a LinkedIn photo shoot to enhance your career profile. | |
Register here!
Are you an upper-year international student looking for an exclusive opportunity to develop professional and personal skills and get ALL the information about career planning and immigration in ONE day?
Look no further!
On Saturday, February 15, 2025, the International Education Centre is inviting you to partake in THRIVE-OUT: Professional Development Conference for International Students! This program is tailored for upper-year and graduating international students to provide you with all the essential skills and information you require to plan your next steps
In just ONE day:
- Receive all the important information about your next steps in terms of immigration and career planning and getting your PR
- Participate in workshops that will equip you with professional skills that can be added to your resumes
- Meet recent alumni and learn about their career journeys
- Network with staff, alumni, and peers
- Get CCR
As a result of participating in THRIVE-OUT, students will:
- Learn about the immigration essentials of staying in Canada after graduation and eventually getting their PR
- Learn more about essential resources available for them to prepare for future careers and achieve their goals
THRIVE-OUT 2024 Schedule
| Time | Description | |
|---|---|---|
| Part I: Key Information | ||
| 9:00 am — 9:30 am | Registration & Breakfast Location: MN Grand Hall (Lobby) | |
| 9:30 am — 9:40 am | Opening Remarks Location: MN 1270 | |
| 9:40 am — 10:30 am | International Student Journey: From Study Permit to Permanent Resident including Q&A Facilitated by the IEC’s International Students Immigration Advisor, Mindy will talk you through the process of obtaining your Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)and the necessary criteria to eventually apply for your Permanent Residency permit (PR). Location: MN1270 | |
| 10:30 am —10:40 am | Coffee Break | |
| Part II: Transitioning Out of Undergraduate | ||
| 10:40 – 11:30 am | Adulting 101: Leaving or Living in Canada Facilitated by the IEC’s International Student Transition Coach, Sherice will walk you through the logistics of deciding to either stay or leave Canada after graduation. This session will cover navigating the housing crisis, health insurance and other essential information. | |
| 11:30 am – 12:15 pm | Adulting 101: Money Matters… Your Financial Future Facilitated by a finance professional who works with UofT from TD bank, they will walk you through everything related to your finances. This includes investing as an international student, your RRSP, your RESP, budgeting, pension, and more! | |
| 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm | Connect and Reflect Facilitated by the IEC's Supervisor, Intercultural Fluency and International Student Development, Rebeca will guide you through a reflection and celebration of your journey at UTM. Location: MN 1270 | |
| 1:00 pm – 1:45 pm | Lunch and LinkedIn pictures Free and catered lunch and refreshments. Location: MN Grand Hall | |
| Part III: Career Development and Networking | ||
| 1:45 pm – 2:45 pm | Career Know-Hows for International Students Facilitated by the IEC’s Employment Strategist, Lucy will walk you through all the necessary components of finding the perfect job. This includes enhancing your network skills, job negotiation, navigating the Canadian job market, and more! For those thinking of leaving Canada, Lucy will also go over the importance of developing a global network and having Canadian work experience. Location: MN1270 | |
| 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm | Breaking Barriers Panel with Employers A panel of employers will be moderated by the IEC’s employment strategist, Lucy. This panel will answer your most pressing questions about the traits and skills they look for in potential hires. They will also discuss the advantages of hiring international students and the challenges they have seen their international employees and colleagues face and more! | |
| 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm | Alumni Career Speed-Networking Facilitated by the IEC’s Student Development Coordinator, Zarina, you will get the chance to meet invited alumni and employers from different industries to share lessons they learned along the way as well as answer your burning questions in a round of speed-networking. Location: MN Grand Hall | |
Meet Our 2024 Alumni Guests:
| Adwet Sharma Adwet (He/Him) currently works as a Senior Program Manager of Government Affairs at Edelman Global Advisory, a leading international public affairs firm which helps clients navigate evolving geopolitics, build trust, and achieve business success. Find out more about Adwet at www.linkedin.com/in/adwet-sharma/ |
| Anil Wasif [UTM Class of 2017 | HBA in Economics, Master of Public Policy] Anil (He/Him) currently works as a Manager of Research at Infrastructure Ontario and is the Co-Founder and Director of Strategy at BacharLorai, a social impact agency empowering Bangladeshis worldwide, through community building, policy research and signature initiatives. Find out more about Anil at www.linkedin.com/in/anilwasif |
| Thaisa T. Sant'Ana [UTM Class of 2023 valedictorian | HBSc Biotechnology Specialist] Thaisa (She/Her) is currently working as a Research Analyst at KITE-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. At KITE, Thaisa created educational infographics on sex and gender topics in traumatic brain injury and worked on a research project on community integration after traumatic brain injuries. Find out more about Thaisa at www.linkedin.com/in/thaisa-tylinski-santana/ |
| Tasya Nathanael [UTM Class of 2023 valedictorian | HBSc Biotechnology Specialist ] Tasya (They/Them) currently works as the Student Services Hub Welcome Desk Coordinator at UTM. Previously, they has worked as the Programs Assistant for Academic Initiatives at the Centre for Community Partnerships at UofT St. George. Find out more about Tasya at www.linkedin.com/in/tasya-n-31128122b/ |
| Joshua Dingani Mvunga [UTM Class of 2022 | HBSc in Neuroscience] Joshua (He/They) currently works as a Community, Health and Education Associate for the Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health and the Tay Cohort Study. Prior to their current role, they were a research analyst at CAMH for a pan-Canadian implementation study aimed at providing youth with education and employment support. |
| Ahad Syed [UTM Class of 2019 | Bachelors of Commerce, Accounting Specialist] Ahad (He/Him) is a Zimbabwean UTM alum who currently works at the Office of the Dean at UTM as the Program & Curriculum Assistant. He has previously worked as a Pathways Associate at PWC Canada and as a Curriculum Support Officer at UTM. Find out more about Ahad at www.linkedin.com/in/ahadsyed7 |
| Jesica Kuruvilla [UTM Class of 2021 | BBA in Management Specialist] Jesica (She/Her) is currently working as the Program Coordinator for the Department of Management at UTM after completing her Bachelor’s of Business Administration. She has worked in Academic HR and has supported student groups and faculty in her roles. Find out more about Jesica at www.linkedin.com/in/jesicakuruvilla/ |
Programs, Events and Workshops for All Students
The IEC has an array of programs, events, and workshops that cater to all UTM students. In this section, you will find such programs, events, and workshops.
Log in to Folio to register for upcoming sessions and trips
Are you new to Canada or have not had the chance to explore the country but want to learn more, such as about Canada’s peoples and places, food and culture, holidays and landmarks, seasons and weather as well as meet peers and go on fun trips to explore your new home away for home?
Then this program is for YOU!
Join us for exciting trips filled with learning and fun as we explore Canada from all aspects.
Students participating in at least 3 series will be eligible for Co-Curricular Record notation.
Some experiences to look forward to:
Trip to Niagara Falls - September 21, 2024 SOLD OUT
9:30 AM: Departure from UTM
10:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Scavenger Hunt: Explore the Falls area and engage in a fun scavenger hunt activity (Optional)
1:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Free Time: Explore Niagara Falls, enjoy local attractions, and have lunch
4:30 PM: Meet for Check-in and Departure
Energize your sporty spirit with a trip to a Toronto FC soccer game! -October 2, 2024
5:30 PM – Arrival and Registration at SSHub
6:00 PM – Departure from UTM
- Group departs together using public transportation
7:10 PM – 9:30 PM – Toronto FC Match at BMO Field - Arrive and settle at BMO Field to enjoy the game.
9:30 PM – 11:00 PM – Return journey to UTM
Ignite your cultural curiosity with a visit to the Aga Khan Museum! (January)
Fuel your sense of wonder with a visit to the Royal Ontario Museum (March)
& Lots more.
Register and learn about these events on the IEC calendar:
For all questions and feedback regarding Canada, Eh? please contact us at international.utm@utoronto.ca
The Dinner and Dialogues Series invites you to explore cultural celebrations through food and dialogue. Each event in this series offers an opportunity to taste authentic dishes from diverse cultures while engaging in meaningful conversations about traditions, values, and community. Join us as we celebrate cultural diversity, foster intercultural understanding, and create connections that transcend borders.
Registration Information:
Registration Fee: Participants are required to pay a $10 fee to register for each event.
Registration details for each event will be updated closer to the date. Stay tuned for more information on how to participate in these enriching cultural experiences!
Upcoming Dinner and Dialogue Events:
- Diwali: November 7th, 2024, 5pm - 7pm in the UTMSU Presentation Room - Register here
- Christmas: December 6th, 2024, 5pm- 7pm in the UTMSU Presentation Room - Registration coming soon
- Lunar New Year: January 18th or 25th (TBD) - Registration coming soon
- Caribbean Carnival: February 2025 (TBD) - Registration coming soon
- Eid and Navrus: April 3rd, 2025, 5pm - 7pm in the UTMSU Presentation Room - Registration coming soon
The Global and Intercultural Fluency Training Series (GIFTS) will help students to develop their leadership and communication skills in facilitating cultural relations. In our rapidly changing and interconnected world, learning and understanding how to work and build relationships with diverse and intercultural environments are imperative skills for success. These sessions will guide students through critical reflection on their personal self-identity and their relationship and impact on local, national, and global scales. Join in on the deep discussions, activities, and personal and professional growth opportunities!
Fall 2024 Program Schedule:
- Thursday September 26th - 4:30pm - 6:30pm
- Thursday October 3rd- 4:30pm - 6:30pm
- Thursday October 10th- 4:30pm - 6:30pm
*MUST attend ALL 3 dates and times above to complete the program
Students will receive the following upon completion of the program:
- Certificate of Participation
- Intercultural Development Inventory® (IDI) Assessment (value of $20)
- CCR recognition*
- Celebration lunch
- On or Off-campus volunteer experience
*To receive CCR recognition, participants MUST complete ALL of the following requirements:
- Attend ALL 3 sessions
International Education Week!
Join the International Education Centre (IEC), along with on-campus partners, UofT faculty and community members during International Education Week (IEW) to celebrate all things global! Students will be able to meet new people, develop a global and intercultural mindset, and learn about the benefits of internationalizing their student experience! Come and attend the various events that will be taking place through the week of November 18th to November 22nd. The theme and schedule will be released in the fall semester!
Want to Earn Co-Curricular Record (CCR)?
UTM Students who attend 3 or more events during the week of IEW can submit a 1 page reflection paper answering any of the following questions in order to earn CCR:
- Why is interculturalism important to our society?
- What are the benefits of having a global mindset and how will you use it in your everyday life?
- What is 1 new thing you learned about yourself, culture, and international education from participating in IEW 2024?
Reflections can be submitted via email to: rebeca.mahadeo@utoronto.ca
Click here for more information: https://uoft.me/utm-iew
Introducing the L'IMAGE Project, a collaboration between the International Education Centre and Professor Ai Taniguchi of the Department of Language Studies at the University of Toronto Mississauga!
What's it about? Centred on linguistic empowerment, the project celebrates the diversity of our U of T students. By translating their stories and lived experiences into comics, we'll be contributing toward intercultural competency, empathy, and awareness that all forms of language are valid.
How does it work? A group of students volunteer to share their stories about the languages that they speak, and what role language has in their identity and everyday life. These stories will be illustrated as comics, complemented by infographics about language from the expert perspective of a linguist.
Why comics? Comics make information dissemination accessible: they are easy to read, understand, and share! As a tool that can be used widely across the three campuses, these comics can amplify the voices of linguistic-diverse and culture-diverse students at U of T.
What's the goal? We hope that U of T students see the shared and the different: there will be both linguistic experiences that they can relate to and ones they’ve never lived through. By finding common ground and seeing new perspectives, students’ linguistic and cultural viewpoints will be widened.
Scroll below to read our comics and visit lingcomics.com for more details!
